Police: Wanted Newburgh Man Arrested After Fleeing Into Woods

A wanted Newburgh man is facing a number of charges after he allegedly fled police into the woods off of I-87.

On New Year's Eve around 7:30 a.m., New York State Police stopped a vehicle on I-87, in the Town of Cornwall for an alleged vehicle and traffic violation.

The driver, Michael A. Thoma, 29, of Newburgh, initially provided State Police with a name and date of birth of another person, police say.

While State Police tried to confirm the name, Thoma is accused of leaving his car and fleeing into the woods.

A short time later he was found in a nearby area, attempted to flee on foot but was taken into custody, officials say.

A further investigation revealed that Thoma had two outstanding felony warrants from the Burlington County Sheriff’s Office in New Jersey for burglary and theft.

Thoma was subsequently charged with:

Fugitive from Justice (out of state crime)
Criminal Impersonation in the 2nd degree; a Class A Misdemeanor
Resisting Arrest; a Class A Misdemeanor
Obstructing Governmental Administration in the 2nd degree; a Class A Misdemeanor
Vehicle and Traffic Violations

Thoma was arraigned before the Town of Cornwall Court and remanded to the Orange County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond.

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